Bandolier

ABSTRACT

A bandolier comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, at least one first storage region on the outer surface and at least one second storage region on the inner surface is disclosed and described. In one aspect, the bandolier comprises a wearing configuration presenting the corresponding outer surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region, and a non-wearing configuration presenting the corresponding inner surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region arranged substantially flat and substantially adjacent to each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application 61/084,737, filed on Jul. 30, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a bandolier, particularly but not exclusively to an improved bandolier for use in medical applications.

BACKGROUND

Bandoliers are belt-like garments typically worn over the shoulder, chest and opposite hip which contain compartments to hold items. Bandoliers have traditionally been used by soldiers as ammunition holders. The bandolier was used to keep ammunition off a soldier's hips, as carrying too much weight on the hips can constrain movement and cause difficulty in retrieving the ammunition. Bandoliers thus have the advantage that they allow a wearer to carry items, while maintaining agile movement, which is very important, particularly in military scenarios.

Bandoliers as mentioned above may have a multitude of discrete compartments therearound, thus enabling a wearer to carry many rounds of ammunition. To access ammo, a wearer simply rotates the bandolier (about their person) until the appropriate compartment is at the wearer's chest, thus affording ready access thereto.

SUMMARY

In view of the advantages of bandoliers, it may be desirable to utilize them in the medical field, for example, to allow a medic to carry and readily access medical supplies such as bandages, plasters and drugs. A bandolier may be particularly useful for a medic in a military situation or in a multiple casualty situation.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a bandolier that offers advantages for use in military situations or multiple casualty situations for use by medical personnel. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an improved bandolier that offers specific advantages over prior art bandoliers.

In a first embodiment, a bandolier is provided. The bandolier comprises a first storage region having a corresponding inner and outer surface and a second storage region having a corresponding inner and outer surface. A connecting portion connects the first storage region with the second storage region. A wearing configuration presents the corresponding outer surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region and a non-wearing configuration, presents the corresponding inner surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region arranged substantially flat and substantially adjacent to each other.

In a second embodiment, a bandolier comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, at least one first storage region on the outer surface and at least one second storage region on the inner surface is provided.

In a third embodiment, a bandolier is provided. The bandolier comprises a first storage region having a corresponding inner and outer surface and a corresponding upper and lower section. A second storage region has a corresponding inner and outer surface and outer surface and a corresponding upper and lower section. A connecting portion connects the corresponding upper section of the first storage region with the corresponding upper section of the second storage region. Connecting means connect the corresponding lower section of the first storage region and the corresponding lower section of the second storage region. A plurality of storage compartments are arranged on at least one of the corresponding outer surfaces or inner surfaces of the first storage region or the second storage region. A wearing configuration presents the corresponding outer surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region, and a non-wearing configuration presents the corresponding inner surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region arranged substantially flat and substantially adjacent to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a first perspective view of a bandolier embodiment disclosed and described in a wearing configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a second perspective view of a bandolier embodiment disclosed and described; and

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a bandolier embodiment disclosed and described in a non-wearing configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The bandolier disclosed and described herein is constructed such that when worn, outer storage compartments are presented and accessible to the wearer, and when the bandolier is taken off and laid on a surface (such as the ground or the casualty), additional inner storage regions lay substantially flat and substantially adjacent one another presenting the inner storage compartments for accessing by the user. Thus, the bandolier adapts from a wearing configuration to a non-wearing configuration, the latter being a ready access configuration (e.g., “bag-like”) when removed and laid on a surface, whereas separate storage regions may be readily presented and made accessible at the discretion of the user.

In one aspect, the at least one storage region comprises inner and outer storage compartments corresponding to and positioned on the bandolier's inner and outer surface. Reference herein to an “outer surface” of the bandolier refers to a surface that faces outward when the bandolier is worn by a user in normal use, whereas reference to an “inner surface” of the bandolier refers to a surface that faces inward toward a user's body when the bandolier is worn in normal use. References to compartments and storage regions as “outer” and “inner” should be construed in a similar manner.

In a preferred aspect, the bandolier comprises a first and a second storage region, at least one of the first or second storage regions comprising inner and outer storage compartments. In one aspect, the first and second storage region comprises both inner and outer storage compartments adapted to function as pockets.

In one aspect, the first or second storage region comprises one or more first storage compartments on an outer surface and one or more second storage compartments on an inner surface. In a preferred aspect, both the first and the second storage regions comprise corresponding inner and outer storage compartments.

According to an aspect of the first embodiment, there is provided a bandolier comprising a first storage region and a second storage region, the first and second storage regions being connected by a connecting portion. In one aspect of the second embodiment, the connecting portion is of a size relative to the first and second storage region to allow the first and the second storage region to lie substantially flat and substantially adjacent each other. The bandolier has a wearing configuration presenting the outer compartments of the first and second storage regions and a non-wearing configuration wherein the first and the second storage regions are substantially adjacent each other, the non-wearing configuration presenting the inner storage compartments of the first and the second storage regions.

In one aspect, the length of the connecting portion is substantially the same as the sum of the widths of the first storage region and the second storage region.

According to a further aspect, there is provided a bandolier having one or more first storage compartments on an outer surface and one or more second storage compartments on an inner surface.

In another aspect, the first or second storage region comprises at least one storage compartment positioned on the inner surface or the outer surface of the bandolier. In a preferred aspect, the first and second storage regions each comprise at least one storage compartment on both the inner surface and the outer surface of the bandolier.

In a preferred aspect, the first or second storage region comprises a plurality of storage compartments positioned on the inner surface or the outer surface of the bandolier. In a preferred aspect, the first and second storage regions each comprise a plurality of storage compartments positioned on the inner surface or the outer surface of the bandolier.

In a preferred aspect, the connecting portion is arranged relative to the first and second storage region such that when the first and second storage region lies flat and adjacent each other, each inner storage region is presented to and accessible by a user.

In one aspect, the bandolier further comprises a connector that connects together the first and second storage regions at ends thereof distal to the connecting portion. In a preferred aspect, the connector comprises an adjustable strap and/or a releasable fastening means.

All of the features disclosed herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown bandolier 102 having a first storage region 104 and a second storage region 106 connected by a connecting portion 108 at the upper section 130 of the storage regions. The first and second storage regions 104, 106 have a plurality of outer compartments 110 of differing sizes for carrying various items. The first and second storage regions 104, 106 also each have an elongate inner compartment 112. The bandolier may be constructed of any durable fabric (woven or non-wovens, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or blended fibers). The bandolier may be post-treated with one or more coatings to impart additional desirable properties, for example, water-repellency, wear resistance, flame-retardancy, bacterial-resistance, viral-resistance, static-resistance, UV-protection, infrared shielding, or combinations thereof. The bandolier may be marked with indicia, for example, symbols, printed matter, color, tags, or combinations thereof.

The first and second storage regions 104, 106 are connected at lower section 140 of the storage sections distal to the connecting portion 108, by connecting means 114. The connecting means may be one or more straps of fabric and/or elastomeric material or lacing. In one aspect, as shown FIGS. 1 and 2, connecting means 114 is adjustable with adjusting means 125 allowing bandolier 102 to be adjusted for proper fit and/or comfort by users of different sizes. In one aspect, connecting means and adjusting means may be integrated such that the lower sections of the storage regions cannot be completely disengaged from each other. In another aspect, connecting means and adjusting means are arranged to include reversible fastening means, for example, a buckle, Velcro straps, buttons, clips, laces, and the like or combinations thereof.

The arrangement of the first storage region 104, the second storage region 106, the connecting portion 108 and the adjustable strap 114 forms a connected loop that can be arranged over a user's shoulder, chest and opposite hip. Other arrangements of the storage regions, connecting portion and strap about the user may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 3 there is shown a non-wearing configuration wherein the bandolier 102 is arranged on a surface. As can clearly be seen in FIG. 3, the first storage region 104 and the second storage region 106 are lying substantially flat and substantially adjacent each other, exposing inner compartments 112. Inner compartments 112 as shown are elongate and have a transparent window 116 to allow a user to view the internal contents thereof. Other shapes of the storage region, inner compartments and window may be used. Inner compartments 112 are shown with a zip fastening 118. Other fastening means, such as buttons, snaps, laces, clips, mating Velcro or pressure sensitive adhesive members, and the like, or combinations thereof, may be used.

The non-wearing configuration shown in FIG. 3 is provided by the length of the connecting portion 108. In one aspect, the approximate length of the connecting portion 108 is substantially the same as the combined widths of the first storage region 104 and the second storage region 106 to provide a stable “bag-like” configuration. In this configuration when the bandolier is laid on a surface it to allows easy access to the inner compartments 112.

In use, for example in the medical field, the bandolier 102 may be used by a medic and may carry items such as plasters, bandages and basic drugs in the outer compartments 110. However, if the medic comes across a patient having a more serious injury, they may remove the bandolier 102 and place it on the ground, allowing the bandolier to adopt the bag configuration, thus allowing easy access to the inner compartments 112, which may contain items for treating more serious injuries, such as a field stretcher, splints, hypodermic needles, surgical instruments, electronic devices, etc.

A bandolier as disclosed and described comprises at least two configurations, a wearing configuration comprising an “over the shoulder” positioning about a user, where in the wearing configuration the user is presented with and has access to one or more outer compartments, and a non-wearing configuration where the user is presented with and has access to one or more inner compartments. This allows a user, for example, to have compartments for common use items, which are readily accessible while wearing the bandolier, and compartments for less common use items which can be readily presented easily accessed by removing the bandolier and positioning the bandolier on the ground or other surface.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 

1. A bandolier comprising a first storage region having a corresponding inner and outer surface; a second storage region having a corresponding inner and outer surface; a connecting portion connecting the first storage region with the second storage region; a wearing configuration presenting the corresponding outer surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region; and a non-wearing configuration, presenting the corresponding inner surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region arranged substantially flat and substantially adjacent to each other.
 2. A bandolier according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is of a size relative to the first and second storage region to allow the first and second storage regions to lie substantially flat and substantially adjacent to each other.
 3. A bandolier according to claim 1, wherein the length of the connecting portion is substantially the same as the sum of the widths of the first storage region and the second storage region.
 4. A bandolier according to claim 1, wherein the first storage region or second storage region comprises at least one storage compartment.
 5. A bandolier according to claim 1, wherein the first storage region and second storage region each comprise a plurality of storage compartments.
 6. A bandolier according to claim 1, wherein the first storage region or second storage region comprises both inner and outer storage compartments.
 7. A bandolier according claim 1, wherein the first storage region or the second storage region comprises at least one storage compartment on a corresponding outer surface and at least one second storage compartments on a corresponding inner surface of the first storage region or the second storage region, respectively.
 8. A bandolier according to claim 1, wherein the connecting portion is arranged relative to the first and second storage region such that when the first and second storage region lies substantially flat and substantially adjacent each other, each corresponding inner storage region is presented to and accessible.
 9. A bandolier according to claim 1, which further comprises connecting means, connecting together the first and second storage regions at ends thereof, distal to the connecting portion.
 10. A bandolier according to claim 9, wherein the connecting means are adjustable.
 11. A bandolier according to claim 9, wherein the connecting means is a strap.
 12. A bandolier according to claim 9, wherein the strap comprises fastening means.
 13. A bandolier according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the corresponding inner compartments of the first storage region or the second storage region comprises a transparent window.
 14. A bandolier comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, at least one first storage region on the outer surface and at least one second storage region on the inner surface.
 15. A bandolier according to claim 14, wherein the bandolier has two configurations comprising: a wearing configuration presenting the corresponding outer surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region; and a non-wearing configuration presenting the corresponding inner surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region arranged substantially flat and substantially adjacent to each other.
 16. A bandolier comprising a first storage region having a corresponding inner and outer surface and a corresponding upper and lower section; a second storage region having a corresponding inner and outer surface and outer surface and a corresponding upper and lower section; a connecting portion connecting the corresponding upper section of the first storage region with the corresponding upper section of the second storage region; a strap connecting the corresponding lower section of the first storage region and the corresponding lower section of the second storage region; a plurality of storage compartments arranged on at least one of the corresponding outer surfaces or inner surfaces of the first storage region or the second storage region; a wearing configuration presenting the corresponding outer surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region; and a non-wearing configuration presenting the corresponding inner surfaces of the first storage region and the second storage region arranged substantially flat and substantially adjacent to each other.
 17. A bandolier according to claim 16, wherein the strap is adjustable.
 18. A bandolier according to claim 16, wherein the strap comprises fastening means.
 19. A bandolier according to claim 16, wherein at least one of the corresponding inner surfaces of the first storage region or the second storage region comprises at least one transparent window. 